A 12-year-old schoolboy died after suffering a gunshot wound to the head in the Gautam Nagar police station area on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, police said.
The child, identified as Ibrahim, was rushed to hospital by his family but was declared dead on Saturday morning during treatment.
Illegal pistol found at home
According to the police, an illegal pistol was found inside the family’s house during cleaning on Friday. Preliminary investigations suggest that the weapon allegedly belonged to a relative who had left it at the home.
Officers said they suspect the boy may have accidentally fired the pistol while playing with it, though they have not ruled out any other possibility at this stage.
Bullet pierced head, struck wall
Police said the bullet pierced Ibrahim’s head and struck a wall inside the house. A forensic science laboratory (FSL) team examined the crime scene to determine whether the firearm discharged accidentally or if there was any foul play involved.
The exact circumstances leading to the firing of the weapon are still under investigation.
Father rushed child to hospital
Ibrahim’s father told police that he received a call from his wife informing him that their son had been injured by a gunshot. He immediately rushed home and took the child to hospital, where doctors attempted treatment but could not save him.
The family resides in the Chhola Road area. Ibrahim was a Class III student and lived with his parents and two siblings.
Investigation continues
Police said the relative who allegedly left the handgun at the house will be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. Officers are also examining how the illegal firearm came to be kept in a residential home.
A case has been registered, and further legal proceedings are underway, police added. Authorities have reiterated the dangers posed by illegal firearms and stressed the need for strict action to prevent such tragic incidents, especially when children are involved.